Retina

Visual loss in subjects with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is caused by factors other than the disease, according to study results published in the September issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

NT-501, a Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF)-releasing polymer indicated for the treatment of visual loss in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has been granted a Fast Track designation by the FDA, Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Inc, the compound's manufacturer, has announced.

Markus Schill, PhD and Clemens Wagner, PhD of VRMagic GmbH have received the European VitreoRetinal Society's annual Relja Zivojnovic Award for outstanding contributions to the field of vitreoretinal surgery.

According to a report published in the September 5th issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, two processes in the retina, which in combination contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be disrupted by antioxidants.

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has been granted Fast Track designations by the FDA for NT-501 for the treatment of visual loss in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The implantation of the double intraocular lens (IOL) system (IOL-VIP) can improve best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with low vision due to advanced maculopathy, according to a report published in the September issue of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Eating oily fish just once a week may cut the risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by half, according to results of the EUREYE study, published in the August 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Avastin (bevacizumab) is effective in the arrest of angiogenesis at several stages, according to a study published online ahead of print by Acta Ophthalmologica.

The UK's medical reimbursement governing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is to reimburse Lucentis (ranibizumab; Novartis) jointly with Novartis under a dose-capping scheme, reversing NICE's earlier, much derided, decision not to reimburse the drug.

The Phase II extension study of VEGF Trap-Eye for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has demonstrated extremely favourable results in relation to the primary and key secondary endpoints at the 12-week time point.

The incidence of endophthalmitis is independent of whether prophylactic antibiotics are administered in conjunction with Avastin (bevacizumab) injections, according to results of a study published in the February 2008 issue of Spektrum der Augenheilkunde.

The Phase IIb clinical trial of I-vation TA (Merck & Co), an intravitreal injection incorporating triamcinolone acetonide (TA) for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), has been suspended.

A genetic mutation that is associated with recessive cone-rod dystrophy in dachshunds may play the same role in humans, according to a study in the August 2008 issue of Genome Research.

IBI-20089, a drug candidate for the treatment of cystoid macular oedema (CME), has completed patient enrollment for initial clinical testing, according to the drug's manufacturer, Icon Bioscience Inc (IBI).

Sufferers of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) have a lower concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the aqueous humour than non-sufferers, according to results of a study published in the August 2008 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Erythropoietin (EPO) could be responsible for the development of diabetic retinopathy, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Eye.

The incidence of sterile endophthalmitis occurring subsequent to an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is increasing, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Focal/grid photocoagulation is more effective than intravitreal injections of preservative-free triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Pfizer has begun dosing subjects in its Phase II trial for PF-4523655, an experimental treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) developed in partnership with Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc.

All diagnosed diabetics aged 12 years and over should have access to free, annual retinal screening, according to Diabetes UK's Your Vision awareness campaign.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) can be beneficial in the treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and growth of retinoblastoma, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Geuder Group discussed several new products, including Brilliant Peel vitreoretinal fluid dye and Siluron 2000, during a posterior segment symposium at this year's Euretina meeting.

Following disappointing clinical trial results, Alcon has discontinued its plans to develop anecortave acetate for the prevention of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A direct ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for retinoblastoma can enable eyes designated as enucleated to be salvaged, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Longevinex (Resveratrol), a nutraceutical matrix, can remove lipofuscin deposits from the retina to improve visual acuity and night vision, according to research presented at this year's meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle, US.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not the leading cause of ocular co-morbidity in diabetic subjects, according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Current screening of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not sufficiently identify those patients most at risk of wet AMD and hence is unable to prevent its development, according to a report published in the June 2008 issue of Eye.

Low doses of Alimera Sciences' Medidur FA provide visual acuity improvements and reduce the risk of ocular side effects commonly associated with corticosteroids, when administered to diabetic macular oedema (DME) patients, according to the three-month interim results of the first human pharmacokinetic (PK) study.

ThromboGenics' experimental enzyme therapy, microplasmin, has been shown to induce a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in over 30% of patients in the high dose group, without the need for surgical intervention, according to the results of the Phase IIb MIVI III (Microplasmin for Vitreous Injection) trial.